Blind man who fell in street thanks helpers

A blind man who fell and injured himself in Fleetwood has thanked people from the town who rushed to help him.

Thornton man George Bell, 92, a keen walker and member of the Ramblers Association, had been in the town to visit Fleetwood Hospital’s hearing clinic.

My father was really shaken up and hurt, but what impressed him was the help he received from people in Fleetwood

But when he was at Albert Square he tripped on a kerb, banging his head and injuring his hip.

An ambulance was called, but while George was waiting for over half an hour, passers-by came to assist.

Someone brought a blanket and another person offered him a cup of tea.

George’s daughter, Barbara Orme, said: “My father was really shaken up and hurt, but what impressed him was the help he received from people in Fleetwood.

“He now wants to make a donation to Blackpool Victoria Hospital to thank the staff from their help, on behalf of the people of Fleetwood.”

George, a father of two, grandfather of four and soon-to-be great grandfather father of seven, regularly visits Fleetwood.

Mrs Orme, who now lives in Fleet, Hampshire, added that her father, a retired civic servant and Second World War veterean, was now making a good recovery despite fracturing his hip and receiving a head injury.

She added: “He had his knee replaced a few years ago but he’s still really independent.”